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Aluminum Concentrations in Cats with Kidney Disease

Purpose and Brief Explanation of Study:

Chronic kidney disease is common in cats. Blood levels of phosphate increase when the kidneys are not working well, and medications are frequently needed to decrease the blood phosphate levels back towards normal. One of the main medications used contains aluminum. Aluminum has been linked to a number of side effects in people, but we do not know about its effects in cats. We do not know what normal blood aluminum levels are in cats and whether they are similar to levels in people. New technology has made testing blood for aluminum possible with small blood samples.

Objective of the trial:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a significant difference in Aluminum levels between healthy cats and those with various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We will also evaluate aluminum levels in cats receiving medication containing aluminum as part of therapy for their CKD, as well as cats eating a primarily canned versus primarily dry diet. Identifying elevated aluminum levels may help us to determine whether these subsets of patients are at risk for developing aluminum toxicity, and may assist us in clarifying risk factors.

What qualifies my cat for enrollment in this in this trial?

To participate in this clinical trial your cat must either:

Be healthy based on physical examination and routine bloodwork (CBC, Chemistry panel, urinalysis simultaneously or within 1 week) or

Have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (Chemistry or renal panel simultaneously or within 1 week).

What does enrolling my cat in this clinical trial involve?

All cats (healthy and chronic kidney disease) will receive a CBC and on the day of enrollment, which the study will pay for, unless that test has been performed at the Ohio State Diagnostic Lab within the week and does not need to be repeated. Additionally, a chemistry panel within one week is required for enrollment; the study will NOT pay for that test. A blood sample will be drawn and placed in a special tube, and at the end of the study, the sample will be tested for aluminum levels.

Client Compensation

Testing of serum aluminum is at no cost to the client. Owners that participate will receive an incentive in the form of a free complete blood count.

Client Contact

If you believe your pet may be eligible to enter this study, please click here to fill out a questionnaire.